Do not Re-sign
TE Matt Murphy: Frankly, no reason to re-sign him. Now that we're going back to a true FB there's no need to carry 5 TEs. We hardly knew thee, really.

TE Ryan Neufeld: I actually like Neufeld. He's a good blocker, especially on returns, and is versatile in that he can play both FB and TE. However, the fact that we have two other TEs, and I want to add one more, plus his inability to stay healthy makes him a non-enmity.

DE Anthony Hargrove: Honestly, this has nothing to do with his failed drug tests. We have four DEs. We have a lot of money invested in 2 of them, one is signed to a long-term contract, and one is a FA. The FA (who also is last on the depth chart) is the one that goes. Time for an upgrade.

DT Jason Jefferson: If we really want to compete we can't have Jason Jefferson's in our DT rotation.

LB Mario Haggan: Haggan has been a very good STer and an adequate backup for the Bills. However, with him and his carbon copy Josh Stamer's contracts up, its time to move on. We have better backups than Haggan (Wire, Ellison, Digi), and with only 7 LB's kept on the roster, there isn't any room.

CB Jason Webster: A yeah, talk about a failed experiment. I normally am not happy when a player gets injured, but him going down really helped our team. Greer>Webster.

SS Bryan Scott: He really was just a stopgap, didn't fit our system either. He played well (I actually think he played more LB than SS), but not well enough to stay on the team.

Cut
WR Peerless Price: It'd be easier, and nicer, if he would just retire. Unfortunately, he has expressed his desire to come back. He's being replaced as the #2 WR. Additionally, he IS NOT a good slot receiver, and even if he is, we already have 2 good slot receivers. Bye bye.

RB Anthony Thomas: No real point in keeping him around. Jackson stole his roll as backup, so he doesn't really have a spot on the team. I doubt Jauron cuts him though...

Trade
QB JP Losman for a 2009 draft pick: Do I think Losman would be a good backup? Sure. Does he like that idea? Nope. As for the decision to go for a 2009 draft pick. We already have a plethora of picks this year, so lets upscale the pick. Instead of getting a late 3rd/early 4th round pick this year, lets get a late second/early third round pick next year.

Re-sign
WR Sam Aiken: What's the harm? Honestly, when's the last time our 6th WR even saw the field on offense? He's a great gunner on STs, keep him on for that reason alone.

TE Michael Gaines: I was very pleasantly surprised by what Gaines brought to the team. While not the big redzone target we need, he provided a good checkdown target who was good at running after the catch. He has very deceptive speed. Bring him back as a third TE.

T/G Jason Whittle: Good depth, experienced vet, should come cheep. Its time this line build some good depth, Whittle can provide just that.

LB Josh Stamer: As I alluded to earlier, it was a tossup between Stamer and Haggan. Stamer fits the defensive system better, and I believe he's better on STs, so I pick him.

FS/SS Jim Leonard: Did he play great last year? No. Did he play well for a backup switching between positions? Yes. While I don't want him as the primary safety backup, he makes a good third option and brings versatility at both positions. Also good on ST.

Extend
WR Lee Evans: We've all been saying it for awhile. However, many of you, after a less than stellar season, find it less important. I, on the other hand, see it as an opportunity. Get him signed below what we would have to pay after a season he's truly capable. I'm not gonna throw out numbers, but something over 5 years, please.

LB Angelo Crowell: The path for most unknown players becoming superstars happens in a 3 year process. Year one: starts to play well, know one notices. Year two: breakout year, some of the national media notices. Year three: pro-bowl level season, gets a lot of press, possibly makes probowl. So, by this standard, Crowell will start to get this big press next season. Coincidentally, I think he is a FA after next season. Get him locked up to a 4-5 year contract.

PLAYERS TO BRING IN

Free Agency
WR DJ Hackett: Injury issues aside, Hackett would make the perfect #2 receiver to Lee Evans. A big target who can get open underneath and play the X, it would allow Lee Evans to move back to Z where he is much more productive.

DT Corey Williams: Wpod and Midwest have me convinced. I'm on the Williams bandwagon. Williams gives us the internal penetration skills we need, as well as some much needed size. While I believe he played the 3-tech in Green Bay, I believe he would be a perfect 1-tech to rotate with Kyle Williams here.

CB Drayton Florence: Florence has played a key part in SD's postseason run. Last game he helped to effectively slow down the Indi offense. Despite this success, he is expected to be let fo in favor of a younger Cromartie. Florence would be a great option at corner for us. Also, having a new starter would allow McGee to move back to nickel, and have Thomas and Youboty at dime and quarter. Very good depth.

QB Chris Redman: Its a little known fact that Chris Redman actually played very well for the Falcons this year. However, with Harrington under a contract and a new QB likely to be brought in via draft, I doubt he sticks around. I've always liked Redman and thought he got screwed when he was battling with Bowler in Baltimore. He's only 30 years old and brings good veteran experience to the table. He'd make a fine backup.

Draft
Round 1; OLB Dan Connor: I know you guys like Rivers better, but I have Connor here for 2 reasons. The first being, after a monster combine where he shows off is excellent off the field abilities, Rivers is going to climb up draft boards and solidify himself as the top LBed in the draft and become a top 10 pick. The second being that I just like Connor more than Rivers.

Maybe its the PSU bias or maybe its the fact that the idea of Poz-Connor reunion would be just amazing. But here's my nonbiased analysis. Connor has the ability to play both weak and strong side and would give us something we absolutely lack in our LB corps, the ability to blow up a block. Connor's biggest strength is his ability to shed a block and work in traffic. Additionally though, he is still great in space and can drop into coverage. He's the perfect addition to our defense.

Round 2; DE Quenten Groves: A LB/DE tweener in college Groves has the ability to be an amazing pass rusher at the pro level. Despite being a "tweener," Groves still possesses excellent strength and has more than one way to get to the QB. He can knock a tackle down just as well as he can blow by him. He'd make an excellent 3rd down specialist.

Round 3; TE Martin Rucker: While Wpod is going the route of the faster, yards after the catch TE in Davis, I'm going to play to our needs and take the big redzone target we all want. While Rucker may never be an elite pass-catching TE, I feel he can be a very good #2 end who excels in the redzone. Additionally, he's also been credited for his ability to stretch the field. Lets face it, we're gonna have to wait for Royal's contract to run out to get a legit #1.

Round 3b; C Cody Wallace: The idea with this pick is an eventual replacement for Fowler (contract up after 08 or 09). I am not a fan of Fowler, but we need some continuity, so he stays for now. Cody Wallace has been described as having a "nasty demeanor" and a "great leader." He's good in the run game, yet has had some problems with footwork, though not sure how that's a huge issue unless we're going to imploy a zone blocking scheme. Once Fowler is gone he should be fully developed and ready to step in.

Round 4; SS Craig Steltz: A true enforcer in the secondary. Has the ability to make people fear going across the middle. Will he ever start? No. Solid backup? Yup. Gives us 5 solid safeties.

Round 5; OT Barry Richardson: Saw his name and looked him up. His description really reminded me a lot of Jason Peters, that being a freak athlete. However, at this point he has very poor technique, and needs some coaching. Maybe with some prolevel coaching instead of guys from the big east, he can develop into an adequate player.

Round 5; FB Mike Cox: A traditional leadblocker who provides everything you want from a lead blocker. He can open up a hole up the middle or track a guy down in the open field (something Shelton was always criticized for). I really had to research this pick, but eventually found this video. It's about GTs RB, but notice the great blocks by #40. Mute before clicking.

Round 6; QB Matt Flynn: I don't care what DJ says, having only 2 QBs on your roster is stupid. The goddamn rules are designed for you to have a 3rd QB on your roster. There's a specific 3rd QB rule! Take advantage of it. As for Flynn, he may not have the biggest arm or be the most athletic, but he played well, not great but well, in college and think he'd make a fine 3rd stringer with backup potential.

Round 7; WR: I'm not going to pretend I know who any of these guys are. Pick one, preferably one with height.

Round 7; DT/LS/FB Derek Lokey: This one's for you wpod. I've never heard of him, but if he's everything you say he is, I'm on board.

Originally Posted by scottyboy
my lord...I cannot imagine such a world where I can mention Raymell Rice's thighs around a girl and not be the only one sexually aroused

Quote:

But for everyone reading this in Buffalo and Cleveland and everywhere else, take solace in the following: As crazy as it sounds, you're lucky. Your Mount Everest experience is still ahead of you. It's waiting, and it's glorious.- Bill Simmons

QB JP Losman for a 2009 draft pick: Do I think Losman would be a good backup? Sure. Does he like that idea? Nope. As for the decision to go for a 2009 draft pick. We already have a plethora of picks this year, so lets upscale the pick. Instead of getting a late 3rd/early 4th round pick this year, lets get a late second/early third round pick next year.

I think you are severely overrating what you could get for Losman. I think a 4th rounder is about the absolute best you could expect. Maybe that could translate to a 3rd rounder in 2009, but I doubt it.

Steltz in the 4th round seems a bit unlikely, Richardson in the 5th is damn near impossible.

We still need to draft a TE though.
I dont see Johnson making a big impact.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottyboy
my lord...I cannot imagine such a world where I can mention Raymell Rice's thighs around a girl and not be the only one sexually aroused

Quote:

But for everyone reading this in Buffalo and Cleveland and everywhere else, take solace in the following: As crazy as it sounds, you're lucky. Your Mount Everest experience is still ahead of you. It's waiting, and it's glorious.- Bill Simmons

Bryant Johnson-WR-Ariz
-Gives the Bills a veteran with size (6-3, 215) to compliment Lee Evans. Has put up good numbers when given a chance behind Fitzgerald and Boldin. Can come in and give Trent Edwards a nice sized target.

Randy Starks-DT-Tenn
-Could possibly be a steal with all the attention given to Haynesworth and Williams. Very young still (24) and has great size (6-3, 315) and is very productive when healthy.

Demorrio Williams-LB-ATL
-Perfect LBer for Buffalo's version of the Cover 2. Is very athletic and can make plays all over the field. Instant upgrade at the WLB spot over Ellison.

The Anti-Pats Mock:
1)- DERRICK HARVEY-DE-FLORIDA (6-5, 265, 4.7)
-Buffalo's DE's have not laid a hand on Brady in years. Jokes aside, Denney is coming off an injury riddled season and has 2 years left on his deal. Hargrove is done and Kelsay and Schobel were extremely winded all season. Harvey would come in and push Kelsay for a starting spot right away, he can see the field on passing downs at first and be Buffalo's version of Justin Tuck.

Buffalo trades 2nd and 3rd round pick to jump back into the 1st:

1)- DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE-CB-TENN. ST (6-2, 175, 4.4)
-Buffalo has decent CB's but no one with the play making ability of DRC. Would give some much needed size to the Corner position. DRC can come in and immediatley play the Nickle and eventually push Greer for a starting job.

3)- MARTELLUS BENNETT-TE-TEXAS A&M (6-7, 255, 4.7)
-The huge ammount of underclassmen at skill positions will push some TE's down the draft. Guys like Rucker and Bennett could fall to the 3rd round and this is where Buffalo needs to jump on one of these guys. Either one would give the Bills an instant Red Zone target that has been lacking from this team for years.

4)- QUINTIN DEMPS-FS-UTEP (6-1, 205, 4.5)
-Great play maker (17 career INT) and has great bloodlines. Buffalo's lack of depth at Safety showed big time as George Wilson and Jimmy Leonard played their hearts out but were clearly outmatched. Ko Simpson is coming off a wicked ankle injury so there may be some ill effects this year.

5)- ADRIAN ARRINGTON-WR-MICHIGAN (6-3, 195, 4.5)
-Good production despite being a #2 at Michigan behind Manningham. Has great hands and size. Can come in and develop behind Johnson/Evans.

5)- DUANE BROWN-T-VIRGINIA TECH (6-4, 305, 5.0)
-Great athlete that can come in and provide quality depth as the swing tackle behind Peters and Walker. Much like Peters was a former TE and shows great athleticism on the field. Can be a good special teamer.

is there any actual chance that we will be willing to go out there and get either S. Rogers or R. Williams from Detroit? I would be so god damn happy if this happend, i love Rogers and Williams since their texas days and would love to see them in a Buffalo uniform.

If we do try to grab one of them what will we have to give up?

__________________
"it won't change not one way how I play this week no matter what the fine is. You can't stop playing defense the way defense has always been created to play." - Ray Lewis after being fined $20,000 for hit on Hines Ward

o and what about Feneca from the steelers, with him and Dockery we would have one of if not the best G duo in the league and one of the bes o-lines in the league as well, good do big things for our team

__________________
"it won't change not one way how I play this week no matter what the fine is. You can't stop playing defense the way defense has always been created to play." - Ray Lewis after being fined $20,000 for hit on Hines Ward

I wouldn't care much for going after Faneca or Rogers. Neither of them would be worth it, imo. We don't need a big change on the O-line, and Rogers is lazy and doesn't impress me as much as he used to. I don't think Buffalo is a place that would make him change his attitude.

Originally Posted by scottyboy
my lord...I cannot imagine such a world where I can mention Raymell Rice's thighs around a girl and not be the only one sexually aroused

Quote:

But for everyone reading this in Buffalo and Cleveland and everywhere else, take solace in the following: As crazy as it sounds, you're lucky. Your Mount Everest experience is still ahead of you. It's waiting, and it's glorious.- Bill Simmons

__________________
"it won't change not one way how I play this week no matter what the fine is. You can't stop playing defense the way defense has always been created to play." - Ray Lewis after being fined $20,000 for hit on Hines Ward

Originally Posted by scottyboy
my lord...I cannot imagine such a world where I can mention Raymell Rice's thighs around a girl and not be the only one sexually aroused

Quote:

But for everyone reading this in Buffalo and Cleveland and everywhere else, take solace in the following: As crazy as it sounds, you're lucky. Your Mount Everest experience is still ahead of you. It's waiting, and it's glorious.- Bill Simmons

"My agent was getting so many phone calls that I thought it would easier just to go there and meet with everybody," Crumpler said by phone from Phoenix, where he has been working out, just before catching a flight to Indy. "I really didn't want to go to five or six cities around the country."

Originally Posted by scottyboy
my lord...I cannot imagine such a world where I can mention Raymell Rice's thighs around a girl and not be the only one sexually aroused

Quote:

But for everyone reading this in Buffalo and Cleveland and everywhere else, take solace in the following: As crazy as it sounds, you're lucky. Your Mount Everest experience is still ahead of you. It's waiting, and it's glorious.- Bill Simmons

INDIANAPOLIS — With the high number of players getting the franchise tag and others likely to be resigned by their teams, there could be slim pickings in the NFL free-agent market.

That means shoppers better be ready to pull the trigger when free agency begins next Friday.

“As more people get signed, more people get franchised, the size of the market dwindles,” Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron said Thursday, the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine. “And there won’t be a lot of guys out there, and the players that will won’t be out there for long. So you have to be organized, you have to know what you’re doing, you have to prioritize your needs, you’ve got to make the right decisions and be lucky.”

Eleven players had received franchise designations by the NFL deadline Thursday. One of them, Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark, was re-signed. Cleveland also inked running back Jamal Lewis to an extension.

With the salary cap expected to increase from $109 million to $116 million nearly every team is going to have more money to spend.

The Bills fall in that category, but with a smaller free-agent pool they will have an increased sense of urgency to get something done quickly.

“In this salary cap era you have to be proactive with your planning process,” said Russ Brandon, the Bills’

chief operating officer. “And come the stroke of midnight [next Friday] everyone needs to be ready. We know how we want to approach free agency and we will be prepared to execute that plan.”

With fewer options in free agency, Jauron said the draft becomes more important. The Bills have enjoyed strong drafts the last two years.

“The combine is key for us in that regard because we have a chance to evaluate a lot of people in a short period of time,” he said. “The talent is here. We just have to find the people who are the right fit for us.”

Jauron acknowledged that wide receiver, a pass receiving tight end and run-stuffing defensive tackle are the Bills’ biggest needs.

Wide receiver and defensive tackle are two positions he’d like to address in free agency. The tight end position is up in the air. Robert Royal is the only proven one on the roster. The Bills did sign Teyo Johnson and Jauron wants to bring back Michael Gaines, an unrestricted free agent.

The Bills are looking for a receiver to start opposite Lee Evans. They also want a bigger target because their top four wideouts are under 6-foot.

“Nothing against the guys we have now because I like those guys,” Jauron said. “But a bigger receiver would be a little bit different addition to fill our offense out. That way, we give opponents a number of different looks and a number of different problems.”

Jauron also said the team wants a bigger defensive tackle who can hold gaps and occupy blockers. That class narrowed a bit with Albert Haynes-worth (Tennessee) and Corey Williams (Green Bay) getting franchised by their teams. But San Francisco’s Isaako Sopoaga is among the other candidates.

Jauron touched on a few other subjects Thursday:

He hopes quarterback J.P. Losman will return, though that is unlikely. His agent has indicated Losman wants to be traded.

“In terms of him wanting to be moved, it will be for us like it is with any other player,” Jauron said. “People can talk to us about it. But we’re not going to do anything that hurts our football team. J.P. doesn’t hurt us, he helps us. We would love to have him back and we think it’s in his benefit to come back and play whenever he gets the chance to perform. We’ll see where it all goes.”

Jauron denied reports out of Miami that the Bills were among the teams interested in middle linebacker Zach Thomas, who was released by the Dolphins. However, Jauron wouldn’t rule it out.

“I don’t think you should ever say you wouldn’t be interested in a player of that caliber and that character,” he said. “You always have to keep the avenues open and see what it’s all about.”

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottyboy
my lord...I cannot imagine such a world where I can mention Raymell Rice's thighs around a girl and not be the only one sexually aroused

Quote:

But for everyone reading this in Buffalo and Cleveland and everywhere else, take solace in the following: As crazy as it sounds, you're lucky. Your Mount Everest experience is still ahead of you. It's waiting, and it's glorious.- Bill Simmons

Drew Rosenhaus, agent for Zack Thomas said today three more teams have offered to host a visit for the former Miami Dolphins middle linebacker. One of those teams, according to Rosenhaus, is the Buffalo Bills.

In an interview that aired on ESPN’s “NFL Live” show this afternoon, Rosenhaus said Thomas, recently released after 12 seasons with Miami, is currently in New Orleans visiting with the Saints. Thomas reportedly was offered a contract by the New England Patriots earlier in the week, although he left without signing a deal. Rosenhaus went on to say Thomas is scheduled to visit with Dallas next Monday and Houston on Tuesday. He then claimed the New York Jets, Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills have contacted him in hopes of getting Thomas to visit.

Thomas, a four-time Pro Bowler recorded at least 100 tackles in each of his last six seasons before suffering from migraines with Miami in 2007. Still, Thomas will be 35-years old before the 2008 season kicks off and Buffalo has been on a clear cut youth movement over the past two seasons.

Still, it’s intriguing that Buffalo would show interest. While the odds of Buffalo being Thomas’ ultimate landing destination are extremely slim, it could mean the club is at least considering moving second year linebacker Paul Posluszny to the outside if they’re able to land another linebacker on the inside during the free agency period.

Rosenhaus said while his focus for the rest of the week is on the NFL Combine (he’s representing probable first round draft picks Kenny Phillips and Dan O’Connor among others), he would like to get Thomas signed with a new team before free agency opens on February 29.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottyboy
my lord...I cannot imagine such a world where I can mention Raymell Rice's thighs around a girl and not be the only one sexually aroused

Quote:

But for everyone reading this in Buffalo and Cleveland and everywhere else, take solace in the following: As crazy as it sounds, you're lucky. Your Mount Everest experience is still ahead of you. It's waiting, and it's glorious.- Bill Simmons

__________________
"it won't change not one way how I play this week no matter what the fine is. You can't stop playing defense the way defense has always been created to play." - Ray Lewis after being fined $20,000 for hit on Hines Ward

great find bro, it really made me feal like we may make a big splash in free agency this year.

__________________
"it won't change not one way how I play this week no matter what the fine is. You can't stop playing defense the way defense has always been created to play." - Ray Lewis after being fined $20,000 for hit on Hines Ward